When was the first written evidence of a spirit produced from grain recorded?

The first written evidence of a spirit produced from grain is indeed recorded in the last decade of the 15th century. During this time, the process of distillation became more refined and documented across Europe, particularly in regions such as Italy and Spain, where distilling techniques were adopted and adapted from earlier methods used for the production of other liquids, including medicinal spirits. This period marks a significant transition in the production of alcoholic beverages, especially as techniques improved, leading to the creation of what we recognize today as distilled spirits.

The documentation around this time highlights the burgeoning understanding of fermentation and distillation among alchemists and early distillers, showcasing a growing interest in producing stronger alcoholic products for both consumption and medicinal purposes. Thus, the last decade of the 15th century is crucial in the history of spirits, as it represents the initial recorded instance of spirits crafted specifically from grain, setting the stage for the expansive development of the distillation industry in the following centuries.